Standing on the western bank of the River Yar in the east of the Isle of Wight, this ancient little town is pleasantly built on a hillside below Brading Down within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
One of the oldest towns on the island, reputedly founded by King Alfred in the 7th century, Brading’s history goes back thousands of years to before the Iron age. Brading's 3rd Century Roman Villa still survives and is one of the best preserved, with some magnificent mosaics on show.
Despite being only valued at 20 shillings in the Domesday book, Brading today offers a wealth of attractions including the Roman villa, the Brading Experience Waxworks, and let’s not forget the Dolls Museum, Morton Manor and Adgestone Vineyard.
However, the surrounding landscape is as much of a highlight, with rolling green hills dropping down towards the sea, breathtaking views from Brading Down, numerous footpaths and bridleways and a variety of special wildlife, including the birds at the Brading Marshes RSPB Reserve.
This mix of heritage and environment in a vibrant community, and some great local food, helps make Brading one of the undiscovered jewels of the Island.